Sock with attached knee pad

ABSTRACT

One example embodiment includes a system for use in playing sports, the system capable of reducing knee injuries to the wearer. The system includes a sock, where the sock is configured to cover the foot, the lower leg and the knee of a user. The system also includes a knee pad. The knee pad is configured to cover the knee of the user and attach to the sock.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Knee injuries are a common occurrence in many sports. The causes can benumerous. For example, players can fall to the ground or can be involvedin a collision with other players. Impacts in which the knee is struckfrom the side can be particularly damaging since the knee itself is notdesigned to withstand lateral blows. Additionally, the player oftendoesn't see the impact coming, which prevents any chance of protectingagainst the coming blow.

Knee pads are available that offer some protection against kneeinjuries. However, these are often insufficient. For example, the kneepad may be held in with a single strap or a pair of straps. While thismay be adequate for certain uses, such as construction work, where thewearer does not move and impacts to the knee are rare it is insufficientwhere the wearer is moving or faces repeated impact to the knee. Inparticular, a high amount of running can cause the knee pad to shift.This, in turn, forces the player to either stop and adjust the knee pador continue to play with the knee pad in a position where it offerslittle or no protection. Therefore, players often forego the use of kneepads because they are inconvenient to use.

Additionally, players often have required equipment that can conflictwith the knee pad. For example, rugby players and softball players oftenwear thigh high socks and. Using the standard equipment with an addedknee pad can lead to the required equipment fitting poorly or workinginadequately. Players are unlikely to wear a knee pad if it means thatthey open themselves to injury in some other manner.

Further, the more equipment the player is required to keep track off andmonitor during play, the less likely the player is to use the equipmentregularly and in the correct manner. I.e., the more equipment used bythe player, the more likely the player is to ignore optional equipmentand to use the equipment incorrectly.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a knee pad that is easy toplace consistently. Additionally, there is a need for a knee pad thatremains in place during use. Further, there is a need for a knee padthat works with other equipment worn by the player.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential characteristics of the claimed subject matter, nor is itintended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimedsubject matter.

One example embodiment includes a system for use in playing sports, thesystem capable of reducing knee injuries to the wearer. The systemincludes a sock, where the sock is configured to cover the foot, thelower leg and the knee of a user. The system also includes a knee pad.The knee pad is configured to cover the knee of the user and attach tothe sock.

Another example embodiment includes a system for use in playing sports,the system capable of reducing knee injuries to the wearer. The systemincludes a sock, where the sock is configured to cover the foot, thelower leg, the knee and at least a portion of the thigh of a user. Thesock includes a first elastic portion, where the first elastic portionis configured to fit snugly around the lower leg of the user, and asecond elastic portion, where the second elastic portion is configuredto fit snugly around at least a portion of the thigh of the user. Thesock also includes a knee pad, where the knee pad is configured to coverthe knee of the user, and an attachment means, where the attachmentmeans is configured to attach the knee pad to the knee region of thesock.

Another example embodiment includes a method of manufacturing a systemfor use in playing sports, the system capable of reducing knee injuriesto the wearer. The method includes providing a sock, where the sock isconfigured to cover the foot, the lower leg and the knee of a user. Themethod also includes providing a knee pad. The knee pad is configured tocover the knee of the user and attach to the sock.

These and other objects and features of the present invention willbecome more fully apparent from the following description and appendedclaims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forthhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify various aspects of some example embodiments of thepresent invention, a more particular description of the invention willbe rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which areillustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that thesedrawings depict only illustrated embodiments of the invention and aretherefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention willbe described and explained with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system for use in playing sports;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a knee pad;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a knee pad sewn onto a sock;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a knee pad placed within a pocket in asock; and

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method of manufacturing a systemfor use in playing sports.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made to the figures wherein like structures willbe provided with like reference designations. It is understood that thefigures are diagrammatic and schematic representations of someembodiments of the invention, and are not limiting of the presentinvention, nor are they necessarily drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system 100 for use in playing sports.In at least one implementation, the system is configured to protect theknees of the wearer. This protection can help reduce knee injuries tothe wearer. In particular, the wearer's knees can be protected insports, such as rugby, where wearers often hit hard surfaces, such asthe ground, and collide with other athletes. Additionally oralternatively, the system 100 can protect against abrasion to the skinof the wearer.

FIG. 1 shows that the system 100 can include a sock 105. In at least oneimplementation, the sock 105 can cover the feet, lower leg and knee ofthe wearer. In particular, the sock 105 can absorb sweat off thewearer's skin and protect the skin from minor abrasions.

In at least one implementation, the sock 105 can be created from a widevariety of materials. For example, the sock 105 can be made of cotton,wool, nylon, acrylic, polyester, olefins (such as polypropylene), orspandex. To get an increased level of softness other materials thatmight be used during the process can be silk, bamboo, linen, cashmere,or mohair.

FIG. 1 shows that the sock 105 can include a foot portion 110. In atleast one implementation, the foot portion 110 is configured to coverthe foot of the wearer. The foot portion 110 can include a sole thatcovers the bottom of the foot and a top portion which covers the top ofthe foot. The sole may be thicker than the top portion. In particular,the sole can be thicker in order to provide better padding and toprevent against wear. Additionally or alternatively, the sole can bethicker to help remove excess sweat, such as when the wearer is engagedin strenuous activities, such as sports.

FIG. 1 also shows that the sock 105 can include a lower leg portion 115.In at least one implementation, the lower leg portion 115 can cover theshin and calf of the wearer. The lower leg portion 115 of the sock 105can include a material that is stretchable in order to allow the sock toconform to the wearer's lower leg. Additionally or alternatively, thelower leg portion 115 can include an elastic material to preventunintended movement of the sock 105 relative to the wearer's leg. I.e.,once stretched, the elastic material will attempt to return to itsoriginal shape and size, keeping the lower leg portion 115 snug on thewearer's lower leg.

FIG. 1 further shows that the sock 105 can include a thigh portion 120.In at least one implementation, the thigh portion 120 of the sock 105can cover a portion of the wearer's thigh. The thigh portion 120 of thesock 105 can include a material that is stretchable in order to allowthe sock to conform to the wearer's thigh. Additionally oralternatively, the thigh portion 120 can include an elastic material toprevent unintended movement of the sock 105 relative to the wearer'sleg. I.e., once stretched, the elastic material will attempt to returnto its original shape and size, keeping the thigh portion 120 snug onthe wearer's thigh.

FIG. 1 also shows that the system 100 can include a knee pad 125. Forconvenience in viewing the knee pad, a portion of the sock 105 has beenremoved, as shown by line A. In at least one implementation, the kneepad 125 (also kneepad) is a protective covering that is intended toprotect the wearer's knees from impact or injury. In particular, theknee pad 125 can absorb the force of an impact, protecting the wearer'sknee. The knee pad 125 can be made of any material which is configuredto absorb an impact. For example, the knee pad 125 can be made of asolid foam. For example, the knee pad 125 can include polyurethane foam.In at least one implementation, the solid foam can deform on impact,absorbing the energy of a blow.

In at least one implementation, the knee pad 125 can cover the entirepatella (also knee cap or kneepan) of the wearer. For example, the kneepad 125 can cover the sides of the patella when the knee pad 125 isplaced over the wearer's knee. Additionally or alternatively, the kneepad 125 can cover the top and bottom of the wearer's patella.

FIG. 1 shows that the knee pad 125 can be attached to the sock 105. Inat least one implementation, attaching the knee pad 125 to the sock 105can prevent movement of the knee pad 125 relative to the sock 105. Thiscan, in turn, prevent movement of the knee pad 125 relative to thewearer's knee. I.e., the knee pad 125 can be held stationary relative tothe wearer's knee in order to prevent injury to the wearer's knee.

The knee pad 125 can be attached to the sock 105 using any attachmentmethod. For example, the knee pad 125 can be sewn to the sock 105 usingthread or other fibers, as described below. Additionally oralternatively, the knee pad 125 can include a hook and loop fastener forattaching the knee pad 125 directly to the sock 105 or connecting with ahoop and loop fastener which is attached to the sock 105. Additionallyor alternatively, the knee pad 125 can be snapped to the sock 105 or thesock 105 can include a pocket for inserting the knee pad 125, asdiscussed below.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a knee pad 125. In at least oneimplementation, the knee pad 125 can protect the wearer's knee. Inparticular, the knee pad 125 can absorb the force of an impact,lessening the impact that is imparted to the wearer's knee. Additionallyor alternatively, the knee pad 125 can prevent the wearer's patella frommoving sideways in the case of a lateral blow to the wearer's knee.

FIG. 2 shows that the knee pad 125 can include a cavity 205. In at leastone implementation, the cavity 205 is configured to fit around thepatella of the wearer. In particular, the patella generally “pokes out”from the wearer's leg. I.e., the knee is not a flat surface, instead thepatella is higher than the surface of the knee and the cavity 205 coversthe entire raised surface of the wearer's patella. This can protect thewearer's knee from a variety of injuries including hyper extension ofthe knee, abrasions, dislocations or other force induced injuries to thepatella.

Additionally or alternatively, the knee pad 125 can include a softmaterial which is configured to conform to the wearer's patella, ratherthan having cavity 205. I.e., the knee pad 125 can be intended to pushover the wearer's patella, conforming to match the shape of the patella.

FIG. 2 shows that the knee pad 125 can include an inner surface 210 thatis configured to rest against the wearer's skin. In at least oneimplementation, the inner surface 210 can include a cloth or pad toreduce abrasion on the wearer's skin. For example, the inner surface 210can be covered in nylon, cotton or other material which can prevent theknee pad 125 from damaging the wearer's skin.

FIG. 2 also shows that the knee pad 125 can include an outer surface215. In at least one implementation, the outer surface 215 can include ahard covering. For example, the outer surface 215 can include a hardfoam, plastic, leather or any other hard covering. The hard covering canprotect the softer foam which provides a cushion for the wearer's knee.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a knee pad 125 sewn onto a sock 105. Inat least one implementation, sewing the knee pad 125 to the sock 105 canprevent movement of the knee pad 125 relative to the sock 105. I.e.,almost all movement of the knee pad 125 relative to the sock 105 isprevented. Holding the position of the knee pad 125 relative to the sock105 can allow the wearer easily adjust the knee pad 125. In particular,the wearer can move the sock 105 to adjust the position of the knee pad125 relative to the wearer.

FIG. 3 shows that thread 305 is pushed through the knee pad 125 and thesock 105. In at least on implementation, the thread 305 can berelatively thin. Thin thread 305 can prevent the thread 305 fromirritating the wearer while wearing the sock 105. That is, the thinthread 305 can allow the inner surface 210 of the knee pad 125 to remainrelatively smooth, preventing irritation of the wearer. Additionally oralternatively, the tread 305 can be sunk within the inner surface 210 ofthe knee pad 125.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a knee pad 125 placed within a pocketin the sock 105. The pocket can be in the inside of the sock where thewearer's knee will be in contact with eh sock. In at least oneimplementation, the pocket can allow the wearer to remove the knee pad125. The wearer can then replace a worn out knee pad 125, place apreferred knee pad 125 in multiple socks, remove the knee pad 125 inorder to wash the sock 105 or remove the knee pad 125 for any otherreason.

FIG. 4 shows that the sock 105 includes a piece of material 405 thatsurrounds the knee pad 125. In at least one implementation, the piece ofmaterial 405 can include the same material as the sock 105. I.e., thepiece of material 405 can be produced from the same material as the sock105.

In at least one implementation, the piece of material 405 can beattached on all sides to the sock 105. I.e., there can be no open sidesof the pocket to remove or insert the knee pad 125 once the piece ofmaterial 405 has been attached. Additionally or alternatively, the pieceof material 405 can include one or more sides that are not attached tothe sock 105 to allow the knee pad 125 to be inserted or removed asdesired.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method 500 of manufacturing asystem for use in playing sports. One of skill in the art willappreciate that the method 500 can be used to produce the system 100 ofFIG. 1; however, the method 500 can be used to produce a system otherthan the system 100 of FIG. 1. In at least one implementation, thesystem is configured to protect the knees of a wearer. This protectioncan help reduce knee injuries to the wearer. In particular, the wearer'sknees can be protected in sports, such as rugby, where wearers often hithard surfaces, such as the ground, and collide with other athletes.Additionally or alternatively, the system 100 can protect againstabrasion to the skin of the wearer.

FIG. 5 shows that the method 500 can include providing a sock 505. In atleast one implementation, the sock can cover the feet, lower leg andknee of the wearer. In particular, the sock can absorb sweat off thewearer's skin and protect the skin from minor abrasions.

In at least one implementation, the sock can be created from a widevariety of materials. For example, the sock can be made of cotton, wool,nylon, acrylic, polyester, olefins, or spandex. To get an increasedlevel of softness other materials that might be used during the processcan be silk, bamboo, linen, cashmere, or mohair.

In at least one implementation, the sock can include a foot portion. Thefoot portion is configured to cover the foot of the wearer. The footportion can include a sole that covers the bottom of the foot and a topportion which covers the top of the foot. The sole may be thicker thanthe top portion. In particular, the sole can be thicker in order toprovide better padding and to prevent against wear. Additionally oralternatively, the sole can be thicker to help remove excess sweat, suchas when the wearer is engaged in strenuous activities, such as sports.

In at least one implementation, the sock can include a lower legportion. The lower leg portion can cover the shin and calf of thewearer. The lower leg portion of the sock can include a material that isstretchable in order to allow the sock to conform to the wearer's lowerleg. Additionally or alternatively, the lower leg portion can include anelastic material to prevent unintended movement of the sock relative tothe wearer's leg. I.e., once stretched, the elastic material willattempt to return to its original shape and size, keeping the lower legportion snug on the wearer's lower leg.

In at least one implementation, the sock can include a thigh portion.The thigh portion of the sock can cover a portion of the wearer's thigh.The thigh portion of the sock can include a material that is stretchablein order to allow the sock to conform to the wearer's thigh.Additionally or alternatively, the thigh portion can include an elasticmaterial to prevent unintended movement of the sock relative to thewearer's leg. I.e., once stretched, the elastic material will attempt toreturn to its original shape and size, keeping the thigh portion snug onthe wearer's thigh.

FIG. 5 also shows that the method 500 can include providing a knee pad510. In at least one implementation, the knee pad is a protectivecovering that is intended to protect the wearer's knees from impact orinjury. In particular, the knee pad can absorb the force of an impact,protecting the wearer's knee. The knee pad can be made of any materialwhich is configured to absorb an impact. For example, the knee pad canbe made of a solid foam. For example, the knee pad can includepolyurethane foam. In at least one implementation, the solid foam candeform on impact, absorbing the energy of a blow.

In at least one implementation, the knee pad can cover the entirepatella of the wearer. For example, the knee pad can cover the sides ofthe patella when the knee pad is placed over the wearer's knee.Additionally or alternatively, the knee pad can cover the top and bottomof the wearer's patella.

FIG. 5 further shows that the method 500 includes attaching the knee padto the sock 515. In at least one implementation, attaching the knee padto the sock 515 can prevent movement of the knee pad relative to thesock. This can, in turn, prevent movement of the knee pad relative tothe wearer's knee. I.e., the knee pad can be held stationary relative tothe wearer's knee in order to prevent injury to the wearer's knee.

In at least one implementation, the knee pad can be attached to the sockusing any attachment method. For example, the knee pad can be sewn tothe sock using thread or other fibers, as described above. Additionallyor alternatively, the knee pad can include a hook and loop for attachingthe knee pad directly to the sock or connecting with a hoop and loopfastener which is attached to the sock. Additionally or alternatively,the knee pad can be snapped to the sock or the sock can include a pocketfor inserting the knee pad, as discussed above.

In at least one implementation, the knee pad can be sewn onto a sock.Sewing the knee pad to the sock can prevent movement of the knee padrelative to the sock. I.e., almost all movement of the knee pad relativeto the sock is prevented. Holding the position of the knee pad relativeto the sock can allow the wearer easily adjust the knee pad. Inparticular, the wearer can move the sock to adjust the position of theknee pad relative to the wearer.

In at least one implementation, the thread is pushed through the kneepad and the sock. The thread can be relatively thin. Thin thread canprevent the thread from irritating the wearer while wearing the sock.That is, the thin thread can allow the inner surface of the knee pad toremain relatively smooth, preventing irritation of the wearer.Additionally or alternatively, the tread can be sunk within the innersurface of the knee pad.

Additionally or alternatively, the knee pad can be placed within apocket in the sock. In at least one implementation, the pocket can allowthe wearer to remove the knee pad. The wearer can then replace a wornout knee pad, place a preferred knee pad in multiple socks, remove theknee pad in order to wash the sock or remove the knee pad for any otherreason.

In at least one implementation, the sock can include a piece of materialthat surrounds the knee pad. The piece of material can include the samematerial as the sock. I.e., the piece of material can be produced fromthe same material as the sock.

In at least one implementation, the piece of material can be attached onall sides to the sock. I.e., there can be no open sides of the pocket toremove or insert the knee pad once the piece of material has beenattached. Additionally or alternatively, the piece of material caninclude one or more sides that are not attached to the sock to allow theknee pad to be inserted or removed as desired.

In at least one implementation, the knee pad can protect the wearer'sknee. In particular, the knee pad can absorb the force of an impact,lessening the impact that is imparted to the wearer's knee. Additionallyor alternatively, the knee pad can prevent the wearer's patella frommoving sideways in the case of a lateral blow to the wearer's knee.

In at least one implementation, the knee pad can include a cavity. Thecavity is configured to fit around the patella of the wearer. Inparticular, the patella generally “pokes out” from the wearer's leg.I.e., the knee is not a flat surface, instead the patella is higher thanthe surface of the knee and the cavity covers the entire raised surfaceof the wearer's patella. This can protect the wearer's knee from avariety of injuries including hyper extension of the knee, abrasions,dislocations or other force induced injuries to the patella.

Additionally or alternatively, the knee pad can include a soft materialwhich is configured to conform to the wearer's patella, rather thanhaving cavity. I.e., the knee pad can be intended to push over thewearer's patella, conforming to match the shape of the patella.

In at least one implementation, the knee pad can include an innersurface that is configured to rest against the wearer's skin. The innersurface can include a cloth or pad to reduce abrasion on the wearer'sskin. For example, the inner surface can be covered in nylon, cotton orother material which can prevent the knee pad from damaging the wearer'sskin.

In at least one implementation, the knee pad can include an outersurface. In at least one implementation, the outer surface can include ahard covering. For example, the outer surface can include a hard foam,plastic, leather or any other hard covering. The hard covering canprotect the softer foam which provides a cushion for the wearer's knee.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that, for this and otherprocesses and methods disclosed herein, the functions performed in theprocesses and methods may be implemented in differing order.Furthermore, the outlined steps and operations are only provided asexamples, and some of the steps and operations may be optional, combinedinto fewer steps and operations, or expanded into additional steps andoperations without detracting from the essence of the disclosedembodiments.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

1. A system for use in playing sports, the system capable of reducingknee injuries to the wearer, the system comprising: a sock, wherein thesock is configured to cover the foot, the lower leg and the knee of auser; and a knee pad, wherein the knee pad is configured to: cover theknee of the user; and attach to the sock.
 2. The system of claim 1,wherein the sock includes a first portion configured to fit snuglyaround the lower leg of the user.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein thefirst portion includes an elastic material.
 4. The system of claim 1,wherein the sock includes a first portion configured to fit snuglyaround a portion of the user's thigh.
 5. The system of claim 4, whereinthe first portion includes an elastic material.
 6. The system of claim1, wherein the knee pad is configured to attach to the inner surface ofthe sock.
 7. A system for use in playing sports, the system capable ofreducing knee injuries to the wearer, the system comprising: a sock,wherein the sock is configured to cover the foot, the lower leg, theknee and at least a portion of the thigh of a user, wherein the sockincludes: a first elastic portion, wherein the first elastic portion isconfigured to fit snugly around the lower leg of the user; and a secondelastic portion, wherein the second elastic portion is configured to fitsnugly around at least a portion of the thigh of the user; a knee pad,wherein the knee pad is configured to cover the knee of the user; and anattachment means, wherein the attachment means is configured to attachthe knee pad to the knee region of the sock.
 8. The system of claim 7,wherein the sock includes a nylon sock.
 9. The system of claim 7,wherein the knee pad includes a polyurethane foam.
 10. The system ofclaim 7, wherein the knee pad is configured to surround the patella ofthe user.
 11. The system of claim 7, wherein sock includes a kneeportion.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the knee portion includes adouble knit fabric.
 13. A method of manufacturing a system for use inplaying sports, the system capable of reducing knee injuries to thewearer, the method comprising: providing a sock, wherein the sock isconfigured to cover the foot, the lower leg and the knee of a user; andproviding a knee pad, wherein the knee pad is configured to: cover theknee of the user; and attach to the sock.
 14. The system of claim 13,wherein the sock includes a pocket, wherein the pocket is configured toreceive the knee pad.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the pocketincludes an open side for receiving the knee pad.
 16. The system ofclaim 14, wherein the pocket is attached to the sock on all sides. 17.The system of claim 13, wherein the knee pad is attached directly to thesock.
 18. The system of claim 13, wherein the knee pad is attached usingthread.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the knee pad is sewn ontothe sock.
 20. The system of claim 13, wherein the knee pad is attachedto the sock using adhesive.